Kick-starting the summer season

On Thursday, May 23, 2013, The Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Special Projects Committee celebrated its Annual Dinner at Le Cirque honoring long-standing Special Projects Committee Member Jamie Niven, also the Chairman of the Americas for Sotheby’s. The remarkable evening recognized Jamie’s more than 40 years of service to The Special Projects Committee and his membership to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center’s Board of Overseers and Managers since 1978.

Following dinner, his Sotheby’s colleague Hugh Hildesley spoke kind words about Jamie preceding the presentation of the Tiffany & Co. plaque by his daughters, Eugenie Niven Goodman and Fernanda Niven. During his tenure, Jamie has dedicated his time and talent to countless fundraising events and programs in support of groundbreaking research at MSKCC. The Special Projects Committee’s mission is to launch the investigations of brilliant young scientists at The Sloan-Kettering Institute. Since its’ establishment in 1969, Special Projects has raised over $13 million to support over 150 innovative research projects at the Center. All together, this evening helped raise an additional $370,000 for the Special Projects Committee.

Uniting Against Lung Cancer (UALC) hosted its 7th annual “Kites for a Cure,” on Saturday, May 25, at Coopers Beach in Southampton raising more than $50,000 for lung cancer research. From 4:00-6:00 PM, participants braved the wind and rain to gather at the beach and kick-start the summer season in the Hamptons.

Mark Epley, Mayor of the Village of Southampton, served as the Honorary Commodore, memorializing his father, who lost his own battle with lung cancer nine years ago. New York State Senator Lee Zeldin and his family also joined the Mayor at Coopers Beach for a fun afternoon of kite-flying.

Leslie Harwood, SH Mayor Mark Epley, and Roxanne Donovan

In addition to the kites flying at the event, “Kites for a Cure” also brings kites to fly in the windows of most merchants in the Village of Southampton. Thanks to support from the Southampton Chamber of Commerce and local schools, most stores feature beautifully painted kites in their windows to show their care for the cause and the community.

At the event itself, with sponsorship from Rechler Equity Partners and The Hampton Business District at Gabreski, funds raised at the 7th annual “Kites for a Cure” will go directly to UALC’s national lung cancer research grant program. Refreshments by Tate’s Bake Shop and Hint water, and music provided by WEHM radio station kept the crowd at high-energy.

Uniting Against Lung Cancer was founded in 2001 in memory of Joan Scarangello, a Southampton resident and non-smoker who lost her battle with lung cancer. The Foundation has awarded more than $10 million in research grants to find a cure for the disease that will claim an estimated 160,000 lives in the U.S. this year.

Lung cancer will kill more Americans this year than ­­colon, breast, pancreatic and prostate cancers combined, yet it receives less federal research funding per death than any of the other major cancers.

The Olana Partnership 2013 Frederic E. Church Award Gala was held on Thursday, May 23 at the New York Public Library. This year's Gala celebrated the Extraordinary American Landscape honoring two outstanding individuals who each are transforming the perception of American art. Olana honored Elizabeth Broun, The Margaret and Terry Stent Director of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and Stephen Hannock, acclaimed contemporary landscape painter.

A landscape by Stephen Hannock

The Frederic E. Church Award (FEC Award) is a celebration of art, landscape and culture. Musical artist and art collector, Sting, delivered remarks about his longtime friend, Mr. Hannock, and presented his award. Acclaimed artist, Christo, spoke of the contribution Ms. Broun has made to American art, also presenting her with the award.

The Stephen Hannock painting "Niagara Falls", a work of polished acrylic on sealed paper, was offered at the Benefit Auction led by Sotheby's Vice Chairman, David Redden. The piece is framed in a handcrafted replica of a 20th century period frame by Eli Wilner and Company. Danny Meyer and Union Square Events catered the event. The evening raised nearly $800,000 for The Olana Partnership.

A gala reception was held on May 21st at the extraordinary Carlton Hobbs Gallery on East 93rd Street to honor the National Committee of The Mount, the historic home of Edith Wharton. The festive evening was launched and co-hosted by architectural historian and longtime trustee Pauline Metcalf and fellow trustee Gigi Wilmers, an art historian and author. Susan Wissler, the Executive Director of The Mount, spoke about the remarkable year-long celebration of Edith Wharton's 150th Birthday. Throughout the evening, the guests were also greeted by Carlton Hobbs, who co-owns the gallery with Stefanie Rinza.

The THANC (Thyroid, Head & Neck Cancer) Foundation held its 10th annual Anniversary Gala at 583 Park Avenue on May 8, 2013. The theme of the Gala was Faces of Courage honoring 24 patients for the courage and grace they displayed throughout their cancer journey and celebrating the groundbreaking work of THANC in its ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life of patients affected by thyroid, head and neck cancer.

With Harry Smith as emcee and Mandy Patinkin as a special guest, the evening was as dynamic and compelling as its cause. A poignant portrait gallery with oversized black-and-white images of the 24 patients were mounted for all guests to see with quotes from each patient creating a connection to their personal journey. A three-course dinner and the launch of several new and innovative projects was enjoyed by over 400 supporters and their guests. The evening was orchestrated by noted event planner Elissa Held Events.

THANC is the largest private funder of research in head, neck and thyroid cancer in the U.S. The foundation sponsors continuing professional medical education, community awareness and outreach , as well as patient support programs. Under the medical direction of Dr. Mark L. Urken, President and Medical Director, and Donald Levy, Chairman of the Board, THANC is now housed within the Institute for Head & Neck and Thyroid Cancer at the Phillips Ambulatory Center at Beth Israel Medical Center.

Gail Donovan, COO Continuum Health Partners, with Donald Levy, President of The Levy Group and Chairman of the THANC Foundation

David Z. Hirsch

Donald and Dawn Levy

Marcia and Jack Levy

Jean Shafiroff, Chair of Southampton Hospital’s 55th Annual Summer Party, hosted a kick off luncheon for the annual fundraiser at Le Cirque on May 9th. Honorary Chair Audrey Gruss, Southampton Hospital President & CEO Robert S. Chaloner, Southampton Hospital Foundation President Steven M. Bernstein, joined Ms. Shafiroff in welcoming nearly 100 supporters of the Hospital to the famed restaurant. This year’s Summer Party will benefit The Jenny and John Paulson Emergency Department & The Audrey and Martin Gruss Heart and Stroke Center.

Master of Ceremonies Chuck Scarborough spoke of the importance of Southampton Hospital’s presence in the communities of Long Island’s East End that it serves. Audrey Gruss introduced the futuristic theme of the August 3rd Summer Party with news that the Hospital’s partnership with ArtSouthampton will enable this year’s event to take place in an air-conditioned tent, with décor designed by Antony Todd. A number of ArtSouthampton dealers, who will be exhibiting work prior to the Summer Party, have planned to donate a portion of the proceeds from sold work to aid the Hospital in a variety of healthcare initiatives.